Engine Whine - What is it... Audio Clip

[cybertek]

Can anyone tell me what is causing this engine whine?
Clip was taken from inside the vehicle while driving.

https://soundcloud.com/joeballfitness/engine-whine

Thanks

 

[Mister H12]

If it follows your RPM (increase in sound with higher rpm) I'd say your alternator is going out. I had to replace mine once and it did the same sound while driving. I was headed through Atlanta,GA and my interior lights and radio all went really dim, but the car was still running, I pulled over and turned it off, it wouldn't crank back up.

 

[cybertek]

Stopped by the dealer and they think it is alternator whine and they say it is normal. Said they could replace the alternator but the new one would probably sound the same.

Is there a better aftermarket alternator option?

 

[THE YETI]

Is that sound coming from the engine or through the speakers?

 

[cybertek]

Definitely coming from under the hood. I wouldn't worry about it so much but it's very annoying.

 

[THE YETI]

Power steering pump? Does it change sound when you turn?

Alternator whine isn't really normal. If it was normal, every car would have that problem.

 

[cybertek]

Power steering pump? Does it change sound when you turn?

Alternator whine isn't really normal. If it was normal, every car would have that problem.

Turning has no effect on the noise.

Dealer said that the GM alternator model for my Yukon tend to whine, some worse than others. They could not guarantee that the replacement would not whine. This has me thinking that if it is the alternator, perhaps an aftermarket one would be an option.

Sometimes the noise is worse than others...

 

[denalimike]

Not to piggy back on this thread but I am experiencing the same thing. (soundcloud doesnt work so assuming it sounds the same)

At first I thought it was the alternator but I think that is incorrect. It started about a week ago and has got a bit worse but only when you take off. (give it gas) I think it may be the power steering because when I got into the truck today, I have a habit of sometimes placing my foot on the break and putting my wieght on it as I situate myself and boy did it really make that humming noise. (like someone is rubbing some hard plastic to the spinning belt) I looked up the power steering pump and it has a hydra boost for help with the application of the brake.

Am I on track here?

Also, is there a tensioner somewhere to take off the belt? Do I need a special breaker bar/tool to take it off?